Learning outcomes

The multicultural nature of contemporary social contexts makes intercultural communication skills indispensable for existing in these contexts as citizens and as professionals.Human communication is a process that is fragile per se, and also exposed to misunderstandings. In interpersonal exchanges, individuals participating in a discussion bring subjective characteristics and cultural aspects from their own life experiences. Communication is therefore also always a kind of mediation.
In discussions among different speakers, the analogical and digital dimensions are tightly interwoven. Both are marked by cultural frameworks in which a language is simultaneously expression and co-constructor, as well as the representation of communicative awareness (personal style, culture of reference, communicative skills) of the participants in communicative processes. The proposed course is designed to promote the theoretical knowledge and communicative skills of the students.


Bennett M. (a cura di), Principi di Comunicazione interculturale, Franco Angeli, Milano 2002.

Portera, A., (a cura di), Le competenze interculturali, Franco Angeli, Milano 2013.

Program

Expected educational results

7. Acquisition of awareness of one’s own cultural frame of reference.
8. Knowledge of fundamental structures of communicative processes.
9. Acquisition of awareness of one’s own communicative style.
10. Knowledge of fundamental mediation structures.
11. Development of the ability to recognize and respect others in multiethnic and multicultural contexts.
12. Development of communicative-relational skills.



Syllabus

- Cultural frameworks
- Communication
- My communication style
- Intercultural communication
- Conflict
- Mediation
- Intercultural mediation

Examination Methods

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bennett M. (a cura di), Principi di Comunicazione interculturale, Franco Angeli, Milano 2002.

Portera, A., (a cura di), Le competenze interculturali, Franco Angeli, Milano 2013.



Exams:


1. preparation of an individual/group written reflexive research (on a topic to be agreed upon with the teacher based on the educational program);
2. written test relative to exam texts.

The written project consists of an argumentative essay through which the student examines and analyzes some of the concepts presented in the bibliography texts and integrated with texts previously studied or texts that are of particular interest to the student.

The essay must be subdivided into sections, footnotes and a final bibliography.
It will be composed of a cover page (containing: student’s first and last name, student ID number, major, employment position, e-mail and telephone number);
the central part of the essay it will contain: a brief summary;
introduction, the principal hypothesis, and conclusion:
bibliography
appendix (with the transcription of the conducted interview or a scientific paper related to the chosen topic)
It has to be at least 5 pages (3.000 character each, references and appendix.


The essay must be printed on paper and deposited in the instructor’s hard copy mailbox (on the same floor as the instructor’s office on Via Vipacco) at least ten days prior to the exam date selected by the student.